(Oimelc,Imbolg,Brigantia,Brides Day,St.Bridgits Day,Groundhog Day)
Ok,First of all,what exactly is the celebration??It is a celebration of the return of new life after a long ,dark winter.It is the first sabbat after Yule.And once again,our christian friends have adopted it as one of their own festivals...St Bridget and Candlemas are celebrated on this day...Here in The Path of the Witch I am putting together a coarse of lessons,rituals and hints for the new witch,in no particular order,but already here is a way to cast a circle,a way to uncast a circle and how to make candles.As the Imbolc festival is fast approaching,it seems logical to me to start with this particular Sabbat as it involves both circles and candles...but if you've missed it..no matter...join in where you will....Imbolc be be around again next year!!And,Goddess willing,I may be around to celebrate it with you!!.
Firstly a little bit about Imbolc.
It is the time of the year when the earth stirs after it's long winter slumber,lambs are born,the first snowdrops appear,the hours of daylight start to increase noticably.It is the festival of rebirth and of light...hence the candles.Whatever name you give Her, Bridget as the Celtic Goddess of the forge will probably me in there somewhere.She is the Fire Goddess of the Forge,who rules over inspiration,healing and poetry.Even if you dont actually call to Her in your ritual (I use the name Cerridwen as the mother aspect for all my circlework,Aradia for the Maiden and Calliach for the Crone),you should still be aware that this is Her day...of inspiration,fire and poetry.As the mother and the Cauldron of Rebirth I am quite happy to have Cerridwen as my Goddess for this festaval also.What follows is a basic fire ritual for the Passing of the Flame.This is where the candles of the last 8 sabbats are released from their service,thanked the final time,and asked to pass the power,love and knowledge to the next set of candles.This ensures that the flame remains imortal,and the knowledge gained during each circle is passed on to the descendents of the original candles..(in my case about ten years ago...lit with a single taper,by a very nervous and shaky hand!)
THE CIRCLE
Until you become confident in you own abilities may I suggest that you use the circle casting technique I put in the main section??...Obviously you may change it to suit your needs or preferences,but I will assume here that you are following it fairly closely,and also that you are working alone,if you aren't then how about sharing the change overs??...maybe take a quarter each if there are four of you??Cast the circle as shown,not forgetting the worry bowl routine first.To cast the circle I use a sword,but an athame,finger,wand,sacred bannana or whatever you prefer is fine..the important part is to see and believe in the Guardians and the Shield of Gold light...take a look at the picture there...see the witch encased in the shield??...This is you.So your prayer to The Goddess,as I stated before I always start with The Charge.Now you are ready to begin.
Light your incense stick/s.Sandelwood is good,as is Cederwood.Firstly to cleanse your new candles of any negativity pass each candle thru the smoke of the sticks,three times in a widdershin (anti clockwise) direction,saying..
"Cleansed Be"on the first rotation,
"Safe Be" on the second rotation,and
"Any Badness ,Leave Thee" on the third and final rotation.There are many other cleansing rotes,but this is easy to remember for the beginner,and completely effective.Repeat the procedure with the purified water if you have any....(method of purifying water and salt not on this site yet..(17/1/2000),but fully intend to add it soon..so keep checking..or email me and i will send it to you...have it here,just not transfered the frontpage or html yet!)....but don't get the new wick wet!
Starting at the North with your new green candle in your hand say directly to your old green candle..
"True and Valiant Ally,
Protector and Light of my Northern Realm,
With all my Heart I give you praise for your strength that never wanes,
Eight sabbats passed you never failed,while round about us minions wailed
Your light stood firm where when others fell,
Go in peace,and sleep thee well"
Light the new candle from the old saying
"Lessons learned we pass along,This new candle now just as Strong,takes the place of one now gone"
Pause a moment for the old candle to impart its knowledge to the new candle...see them both burning together....the tired old warrior and the new fresh knight with the knowledge of the veteran.Then when you are ready,pinch out the old candle for the final time....
Repeat the above steps for each of the three remaining quarters.....
Now it is not uncommon for me to have wet eyes at this point!!After all I have just said goodbye to four of my closest and most trusted allies for the final time.So as not to waste the sombre mood I now turn my thoughts to all our sisters and brothers who have suffered because of The Craft,those who fell during The Burning Times,and those who suffer now....say prayers for your own loved ones also who have gone ahead,generally have a good cry,because this is a time of renewal,it is not good to carry old baggage into a new part of the year.This is the way I do things...it is not the CORRECT way,it is a DIFFERENT way....if you don't feel happy with it then don't do it!!
I love Imbolc....for it's potential and for the chance to let my friends who are shades to know they are still alive in my heart....
When you have finished the circle banish it as shown on the Circle page and go and have something to eat and drink...
Congratulations...You have just done your first Imbolc Sabbat
Blessed Be
Kaizen
Copyright January 17 2000
